Canon announces 550D Rebel T2i

Canon announced the newest addition to the Rebel line yesterday: The Canon 550D, aka, the Rebel T2i

The newest DLSR offers photographers a 18 megapixel APS-C sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor. The new rebel will also record HD video.

Sharing a feature with its big brother the Canon 7D, the Canon 550D uses the iFCL metering system. New is the ability for users to set a top limit for auto ISO – a new way to control noise in images.

The 550D continues with the DLSR trend of HD video capabilities. The 550D shoots video at full 1920x1080p HD resolution, and photographers can select frame rates from 30, 25 and 24fps. 720p video at 60 and 50fps is also available on the new Canon DSLR. The EOS 550D has a 3.5mm microphone jack for using an external mike when shooting video.

The display on the new 550D is a 3-inch 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with resolution of 1,040k dots. Canon says 100% of captured images (with no borders) are visible on the LCD. The display has anti-reflective and water-repellent coatings, making it easier to view in bright conditions and from different angles.

Intuitive Science: Photographer Johnny O

From Canada, Photog Friday travels to meet US Photographer Johnny O. The former magazine editor and shooter has branched out on his own, and specializes in automotive photography. The right spot for the right shot can make all of the difference, says Johnny. How did he get started? What are his secrets? Read on…

Name: Johnny O

Country of residence: USA

Brief Bio: Johnny O has spent the last decade working in the print magazine world as the lead photographer, feature editor and contributing editor of several custom enthusiast publications. He has spent those years refining the art of automotive photography down to a creative science and has an intuitive sense of location. The right spot for the right shot can make all of the difference.

How did you first get interested in photography?
I started over 15 years ago in high school and was quickly drawn into the mechanics of the SLR camera as well as the process of developing in the darkroom. The darkroom eventually gave way to Photoshop, but I definitely enjoy the digital process just as much as the physical process.

What do you like to shoot?
My personal passion for building custom vehicles has also turned into a passion for shooting them. Over the years of working in the editorial world I have managed to shoot many of the most amazing vehicles ever built.